Storage container

ABSTRACT

A storage container according to an aspect of the invention is provided with a tube-shaped storing portion formed of a resin having an extraction opening enabling a stored substance to be sucked in a center area on one end side, and a circular opening on the other end side, and a bag-shaped storing portion which is welded along the circular opening of the tube-shaped storing portion, enters inside the tube-shaped storing portion to be able to come into intimate contact with an inner surface of the tube-shaped storing portion in sucking through the extraction opening, and is formed of a thin film in the shape of a bag to be a non-independent body, where the tube-shaped storing portion changes in cross-sectional shape from a circular shape to an elliptical shape toward one end side from the other end side.

The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in JapanPatent Application No. 2009-151192 filed on Jun. 25, 2009 and JapanPatent Application No. 2009-290385 filed on Dec. 22, 2009, which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference in its entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage container for storing viscousliquids.

Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 2001-199455, a storage container has been known which iscapable of storing viscous liquids (hereinafter, referred to as storedsubstances) such as ink for printing. Such a storage container isinstalled in a predetermined position of an external apparatus such as aprinter, and the stored substance is extracted with a suction mechanismprovided in the external apparatus, and supplied to a predeterminedposition. More specifically, a storage container as disclosed inJapanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-199455 has aconfiguration provided with a container body formed in the shape of abag made of a thin-film-shaped resin film, and a support member which isenclosed in the inside of the container body, retains the container bodyin the shape of a box, and has an extraction opening protruding from thecontainer body.

Then, in the aforementioned configuration, when suction is performedfrom the extraction opening using a pump or the like, thethin-film-shaped resin film is inverted to roll inside the supportmember as the stored substance flows out. Then, when the storedsubstance is extracted completely, the resin film changes to a state ofentering inside the support member.

The aforementioned storage container has the structure that the supportmember is enclosed inside the container body formed of a resin film, thesupport member retains the container body in predetermined form, themanufacturing process is thereby complicated, and the cost is increased.

Further, since the above-mentioned storage container has the structurethat the surface of the support member and the container body are inintimate contact with each other widely, the adhesion therebetween tendsto be insufficient such that the container body becomes wrinkled, thestored substance thereby remains in a gap (outer side of the supportmember) therebetween in sucking, and there is a possibility that thestored substance is wasted. Further, the container body formed from theresin film has the structure in the shape of a box (with the bottom) inconsideration of the shape retention property. However, in such a shape,even when the container body enters inside the support member insucking, the adhesion with the inner surface of the support memberdeteriorates finally, and as a result, the stored substance tends toremain also on the inner surface side of the support member.

Accordingly, required is a storage container enabling a stored substanceto be extracted with minimum wastage while having inexpensivemanufacturing cost.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, a storage container is provided with atube-shaped storing portion formed of a resin having an extractionopening enabling a stored substance to be sucked in a center area on oneend side, and a circular opening on the other end side, and a bag-shapedstoring portion which is welded along the circular opening of thetube-shaped storing portion, enters inside the tube-shaped storingportion to be able to come into intimate contact with an inner surfaceof the tube-shaped storing portion in sucking through the extractionopening, and is formed of a thin film in the shape of a bag to be anon-independent body, where the tube-shaped storing portion changes incross-sectional shape from a circular shape to an elliptical shapetoward one end side from the other end side.

The storage container with the aforementioned configuration has thestructure that the bag-shaped storing portion formed in the shape of abag that is a non-independent body is welded along the circular openingon the other end side of the tube-shaped storing portion formed of aresin having the extraction opening, thus has a simplified structure,while being manufactured with ease, and thereby enables reductions incost. Particular, since the bag-shaped storing portion is configured asa non-independent body (in a state where three sides, the side portionsand bottom portion, are welded), the welding process is simplified, andthe cost is, reduced.

Further, since the bag-shaped storing portion is configured as anon-independent body, when the bag-shaped storing portion is weldedalong the circular opening of the tube-shaped storing portion, itscross-sectional shape is circular in the welding portion, and the crosssection changes to an elliptical shape as separating from the weldingportion (the bag-shaped storing portion enters inside the tube-shapedstoring portion and comes into intimate contact with the inner surfacein sucking from the extraction opening of the tube-shaped storingportion.) In consideration of such a shape, since the tube-shapedstoring portion is changed in cross-sectional shape from a circularshape to an elliptical shape toward the extraction opening side from thewelding portion, and thus is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of theentering bag-shaped storing portion, the bag-shaped storing portioncomes into intimate contact with the inner surface of the tube-shapedstoring portion without causing wrinkles or the like, and it is possibleto extract the stored substance with efficiency.

Furthermore, the tube-shaped storing portion is configured such that thewelding portion with the bag-shaped storing portion is circular,therefore, does not cause a crush or the like in sucking the storedsubstance, and further has the configuration that the basic shapechanges from circular cross section to elliptical cross section, theentire inner surface is thus configured as a curved surface, andtherefore, the stored substance is hard to remain in sucking the storedsubstance.

Moreover, in another aspect of the invention, a storage container ischaracterized by having a cylindrical storing portion formed of a resinin the shape of a cylinder having an extraction opening enabling astored substance to be sucked in a center area on one end side, and abag-shaped storing portion formed in the shape of a bag to be anon-independent body using a thin film that is welded along a circularopening on the other end side of the cylindrical storing portion andthat enters inside the cylindrical storing portion to be able to comeinto intimate contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical storingportion in sucking from the extraction opening, where the bag-shapedstoring portion has a length in the range of 90% to 110% relative to thestoring length in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical storingportion, and is cut in corner portions on the end portion side oppositeto the welding portion.

The storage container with the aforementioned configuration has thestructure that the bag-shaped storing portion formed in the shape of abag that is a non-independent body is welded along the circular openingon the other end side of the cylindrical storing portion formed of aresin having the extraction opening, thus has a simplified structure,while being manufactured with ease, and thereby enables reductions incost. Further, the storage container is in the form of a cylinder in thebasic portion, the stored substance is thereby hard to remain in suckingthe stored substance, and with respect to the bag-shaped storingportion, since the corner portions are cut on the end portion sideopposite to the welding portion in the non-independent body, the storedsubstance is hard to remain. Furthermore, the bag-shaped storing portionhas the length in the range of 90% to 110% relative to the storinglength in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical storing portion,its bottom edge area can be located in the vicinity of the extractionopening portion when the bag-shaped storing portion is inverted anddrawn into the inside of the cylindrical storing portion in sucking, andby this means, it is possible to extract the stored substance withefficiency.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a storage container according toEmbodiment 1 of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the storage container:

FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the storage container;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B line of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bag-shaped storing portion (non-independent body) while showing the configuration that cornerportions on the end portion side are not cut;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are views showing a configuration of the bag-shapedstoring portion as shown in FIG. 1, and are views showing aconfiguration example of a cut portion in a corner portion on the endportion side;

FIGS. 6A to 6F are views sequentially showing changes of the bag-shapedstoring portion in storing a viscous stored substance in the storagecontainer as shown in FIG. 1 and sucking the substance from anextraction opening;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a blockage preventing member insertedin the extraction opening;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the blockage preventing member inserted inthe extraction opening;

FIG. 7C is a plan view of the blockage preventing member inserted in theextraction opening;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where the blockage preventing member asshown in FIG. 7 is inserted in the extraction opening portion;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a storage container according toEmbodiment 2 of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a front view showing the storage container according toEmbodiment 2 of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a view showing a configuration of a cylindrical storingportion as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 10B and 10C are views showing modification examples of thecylindrical storing portion;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a configuration of a bag-shaped storingportion without corner portions on the end portion side being cut;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are views showing a configuration of the bag-shapedstoring portion as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and showing an example of acut state of corner portions on the end portion side; and

FIGS. 13A to 13F are views sequentially showing changes of thebag-shaped storing portion in storing a viscous stored substance in thestorage container as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and sucking the substancefrom an extraction opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a storage container 1 according to Embodiment1 of the invention stores a viscous liquid (referred to as a storedsubstance) such as ink, and as described later, is provided with atube-shaped storing portion 2 changing in cross-sectional shape from acircular shape (on the welding portion side) to an elliptical shape (onthe extraction opening side), and a bag-shaped storing portion 3 weldedalong a lower circular opening of the tube-shaped storing portion 2.

In the tube-shaped storing portion 2, an extraction opening 2 a enablinga stored substance to be sucked is formed on the center axis on one endside. In this Embodiment, the extraction opening 2 a is formed from aplug with a screw, and by attaching and detaching a cap (sealing member)not shown, enables a stored substance to be sealed and extracted. Inother words, in actually using the storage container 1, the container 1is inserted in a predetermined portion of an external apparatus with thesealing member removed, and the stored substance is extracted by asucking mechanism such as a pump. In addition, the above-mentionedextraction opening 2 a may be not used only in extracting the storedsubstance, and also have the function as a filling opening to fill thestored substance. Further, the extraction opening may have aconfiguration that an extraction needle is inserted in the sealingmember to suck the stored substance.

The above-mentioned tube-shaped storing portion 2 is formed in one piece(blow molding, injection molding, etc.) of a plastic material such as,for example, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene and polyvinylchloride, and is configured by a method and material enabling itsmanufacturing with low cost. Further, the thickness is only required tobe an extent (for example, about 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm) to which the shape ismaintained when the bag-shaped storing portion 3 is inverted and drawninto the inside in sucking.

Further, with respect to the outside shape, the cross section changes inshape from a circular shape to an elliptical shape toward the extractionopening 2 a side from the welding portion 2 d with the bag-shapedstoring portion 3. This is because of adapting to the cross-sectionalshape of the bag-shaped storing portion 3 entering inside thetube-shaped storing portion 2 in sucking the extraction opening portionto extract the stored substance. In other words, as described later, thebag-shaped storing portion 3 is configured as a non-independent body(three sides, side portions and bottom portion, are welded) that iseasily manufactured, and therefore, when the portion 3 is welded alongthe circular opening of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, thecross-sectional shape is circular in the welding portion 2 d, whilechanging to an elliptical shape as separating from the welding portion.

By this means, the bag-shaped storing portion 3 comes into intimatecontact with the inner surface of the tube-shaped storing portionwithout causing wrinkles or the like in inverting and entering insidethe tube-shaped storing portion 2, and it is possible to extract thestored substance from the extraction opening 2 a with efficiency. Inthis case, the change of the shape is not limited particularly, but itis preferable to gently change the shape continuously, rather thanabruptly change from the circular shape to ellipticl shape. In otherwords, a configuration is preferable that a large step difference is notmade between the shapes.

Further, the shape of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 is not limitedparticularly, and in this Embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inorder that the stored substance can be extracted effectively, a curvedportion 2 b is formed such that the diameter decreases gradually towardthe extraction opening 2 a positioned on the center axis from the upperend side of the circular side wall. Then, it is preferable that radialprotrusion portions 2 c (are arranged radially) are formed in the innersurface of the curved portion 2 b to extend toward the extractionopening 2 a. The radial protrusion portions 2 c constitute a flow pathguide to enable the stored substance to effectively move toward theextraction opening 2 a in sucking, and can be integrally formed inmolding. In this case, the specific extension length, pitch and heightof the radial protrusion portions 2 c are capable of being modified asappropriate corresponding to dimensions of the tube-shaped storingportion 2, type (viscosity) of the stored substance, etc.

In addition, with respect to the curved portion 2 b formed in thetube-shaped storing portion, the portion 2 b is only required to adaptto cut portions described later formed in the bag-shaped storing portion3, and can be modified as appropriate. In other words, as long as such aconfiguration is obtained that the stored substance is capable of movingtoward the extraction opening equally in undergoing the sucking action,the shape can be modified as appropriate.

To the tube-shaped storing portion 2 is welded the opening end portionof the bag-shaped storing portion 3. In this case, in the tube-shapedstoring portion 2, at least the circular opening is formed in the samediameter over a predetermined length L, and the bag-shaped storingportion 3 is welded to the outer surface of the area (within the rangeof the predetermined length L, and in this range, the welding portion 2d is formed) in which the tube-shaped storing portion 2 has the samediameter.

More specifically, for example, the welding portion 2 d may be in therange of about 5 mm to 15 mm, is covered with the opening area of thebag-shaped storing portion 3, and then, welded using a heat bar or thelike, and it is thereby possible to weld the bag-shaped storing portion3 to the tube-shaped storing portion 2 with ease.

Further, in the tube-shaped storing portion 2, a pair of protrusions 2 eprotruding outward are formed at an interval of 180 degrees in the areawhere the bag-shaped storing portion is welded. By forming such a pairof protrusions 2 e, as described above, it is possible to stabilize aseal state in welding the bag-shaped storing portion 3 using the heatbar.

The bag-shaped storing portion 3 is formed in the shape of a bag bywelding the circumference of a thin-film-shaped film (thin film with athickness ranging from about 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, for example, a laminatefilm where a seal portion layer is polyethylene) having flexibility madeof polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, and to reduce the cost, forexample, is configured as a three-side seal bag such that twothin-film-shaped films are stacked and welded in the circumference.

Herein, the configuration of the bag-shaped storing portion is describedwith reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The bag-shaped storing portion 3 in the invention has the structure(non-independent structure) where one end is opened to enable theportion 3 to be welded to the outer surface (welding portion 2 d) of thecircular opening portion of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, while abottom that is a plane is not formed on the other end (welding area 3Ais shown by oblique lines). Further, the bag-shaped storing portion 3 ofthis Embodiment is configured such that corner portions on the endportion side opposite to the welding portion 2 d are cut. Morespecifically, the shape of the side surface is not rectangular as shownin FIG. 4, and as shown in FIG. 5A, by cutting (forming cut portions 3d) the corner portions on the end portion side in the shape of a curvecorresponding to the curved portion 2 b of the tube-shaped storingportion 2, has the configuration that does not cause the point portionsP of substantially 90 degrees, or less between the bottom edge 3 a andside edges 3 b inside the storing portion as shown in FIG. 4.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, an aspect of the cut betweenthe bottom edge 3 a and side edge 3 b inside the storing portion is notlimited particularly, and the cut may be made linearly so that thebottom edge 3 a is longer as shown in FIG. 5B or may be made so that thebottom edge 3 a is shorter as shown in FIG. 5C.

In this case, the shape of the cut portion (edge-shape cut portion) 3 dis preferably formed in the shape in accordance with the curved portion2 b formed in the tube-shaped storing portion 2 (edge shapes of the cutportions formed in the bag-shaped storing portion are almost adapted toa shape of the curved portion). More specifically, the shape as shown inFIG. 5B is preferably adapted to the tube-shaped storing portion suchthat the curved portion is a relatively gently surface as shown in FIG.2, and the shape as shown in FIG. 5C is preferably adapted to thetube-shaped storing portion such that the curved portion 2 b is arelatively longer surface along the longitudinal direction than that inthe configuration as shown in FIG. 2.

By thus forming the cut portions, it is possible to decrease thepossibility that the stored substance remains in the corner portions.

Further, the capacity of the bag-shaped storing portion 3 is preferablyset at the same (including substantially the same) capacity of thetube-shaped storing portion 2. By this means, when the bag-shapedstoring portion 3 undergoes suction from the extraction opening 2 aportion, the inner surface of the bag-shaped portion 3 comes intointimate contact with the inner surface of the tube-shaped storingportion 2, while the portion 3 is inverted and drawn into the insidespace of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 with the flow of the storedsubstance, and at this point, by setting the above-mentioned capacity,it is possible to position the bottom edge 3 a of the bag-shaped storingportion in the vicinity of the opening 2A on the storing portion side ofthe extraction opening 2 a, and to extract the stored substanceeffectively without waste.

In other words, in the case where the capacity of the bag-shaped storingportion 3 is larger than that of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, whenthe bag-shaped storing portion 3 is inverted and drawn into the insidespace of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 while being inverted with theflow of the stored substance, it happens that the bottom edge 3 a of thebag-shaped storing portion bends, etc. a tendency increases to block theopening 2A on the storing portion side of the extraction opening 2 a,the suction force thereby stops acting, and the possibility increasesthat the stored substance existing in the vicinity of the opening 2A onthe storing portion side of the extraction opening 2 a cannot be suckedand remains. Meanwhile, in the case where the capacity of the bag-shapedstoring portion 3 is smaller than that of the tube-shaped storingportion 2, when the bag-shaped storing portion 3 is inverted and drawninto the inside space of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 while beinginverted with the flow in the storing portion, the distance between thebottom edge 3 a inside the bag-shaped storing portion and the opening 2Aon the storing portion side of the extraction opening 2 a increases, andby this means, as the internal pressure decreases by suction, thepossibility increases that the stored substance existing in the area ofthe bottom edge 3 a does not undergo sufficient suction and remains.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6F, described next is a result of storing aviscous stored substance (commercially available mayonnaise) in thestorage container with the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, andextracting the stored substance by applying a predetermined suctionforce.

First, when the stored substance is extracted by applying suction to theextraction opening 2 a with the stored substance stored in thetube-shaped storing portion 2 and bag-shaped storing portion 3 (see FIG.6A), the bag-shaped storing portion 3 gradually shrinks while causingvertical wrinkles, and the bottom edge 3 a rises toward the circularopening (area of the welding portion 2 d) of the tube-shaped storingportion 2 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C). Then, as the suction further proceeds,the bottom edge 3 a inside the storing portion passes through thecircular opening (area of the welding portion 2 d) of the tube-shapedstoring portion 2 and rises with the flow of the stored substance, andthe bag-shaped storing portion 3 is inverted and drawn into the insidespace of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 (see FIGS. 6D and 6E). Then,as the suction furthermore proceeds, the inner surface of the bag-shapedstoring portion 3 comes into intimate contact with the inner surface ofthe tube-shaped storing portion 2 (see FIG. 6F), and the storedsubstance concentrates on the opening area on the storing portion sideof the extraction opening 2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6F, when the bag-shaped storing portion 3is inverted and drawn into the inside space of the tube-shaped storingportion 2, the inner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion 3 comesinto intimate contact with the inner surface of the tube-shaped storingportion 2. In this case, since in the tube-shaped storing portion 2 thecross-section shape changes from the circular shape to the ellipticalshape toward the extraction opening side from the welding portion, andis adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the entering bag-shapedstoring portion 3, the bag-shaped storing portion 3 does not causewrinkles or the like, and is easy to come into intimate contact with theinner surface of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, and it is possibleto extract the stored substance with efficiency. Further, since in thetube-shaped storing portion 2 the circular opening is formed in the samediameter over the predetermined length L, and the bag-shaped storingportion 3 is welded to this range, when the bag-shaped storing portion 3is inverted and enters in the welding portion area, wrinkles or the likeare prevented from occurring in this portion, and the possibilitydecreases that the stored substance remains.

Further, in the tube-shaped storing portion 2, since the welding portionto the bag-shaped storing portion 3 is configured in circular form, anycrush or the like does not occur in sucking the stored substance.Moreover, in the tube-shaped storing portion, since the basic shapechanges from the circular shape in cross section to the elliptical shapein cross section, and the entire inner surface is configured as a curvedsurface, the stored substance is hard to remain in sucking the storedsubstance.

Furthermore, since the inner surface of the tube-shaped storing portion2 is a curved surface and any point portions do not exist, thebag-shaped storing portion 3 is hard to come into intimate contact whenbecoming wrinkled, and it is possible to suck (squeeze) the storedsubstance as much as possible. Meanwhile, when the inner surface of thebag-shaped storing portion 3 comes into intimate contact with the innersurface of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, the suction force does notact on the bag-shaped storing portion 3. However, since the curved shapeis formed such that the diameter decreases gradually toward theextraction opening 2 a side, it is possible to extract the storedsubstance as much as possible even when the suction force reduces.

Moreover, as described above, the radial protrusion portions 2 cextending toward the extraction opening 2 a are formed in the innersurface of the curved portion 2 b, flow paths toward the extractionopening 2 a are easy to reserve, and it is possible to efficientlyextract the stored substance.

Further, since the capacity of the bag-shaped storing portion 3 is setat the same capacity of the tube-shaped storing portion 2, as shown inFIG. 6F, the bottom edge 3 a area can be positioned in the vicinity ofthe extraction opening portion, and by this means, it is possible toefficiently extract the stored substance even when the internal pressuredecreases by suction. Particularly, the bag-shaped storing portion 3 isa non-independent body, and is configured so that point portions with anacute angle do not exist in the bottom edge portion by cutting cornerportions on the end portion side, and further, since the edge shape ofthe cut portion is formed to follow the curved portion of thetube-shaped storing portion 2, it is possible to extract the storedsubstance efficiently without the substance remaining.

In addition, when suction tests were actually performed in the storagecontainer with the structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the residualamount of the stored substance was 2.0% or less, and the result that thestored substance can be extracted efficiently was obtained.

Then, since the storage container 1 as described above has the structurethat the bag-shaped storing portion 3 formed in the shape of a bag to bea non-independent body is welded along the circular opening on the otherend side of the tube-shaped storing portion 2 made of a resin having theextraction opening 2 a, the structure is simple and is easy tomanufacture, and it is possible to obtain the configuration with thecost reduced, easy to recycle, and the like.

FIG. 7 shows a blockage preventing member inserted in the extractionopening portion of the storage container 1 as described above, whereFIG. 7A is a perspective view, FIG. 7B is a front view, and FIG. 7C is aplan view. For example, in the storage container 1, the blockagepreventing member 20 as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is inserted in theextraction opening portion as shown in FIG. 8, and it is therebypossible to extract the stored substance more efficiently.

The blockage preventing member 20 is formed in one piece using a resinor the like, is provided with a tube portion 21 inserted in theextraction opening 2 a, and fringe 22 coming into contact with acircumferential edge 2 a′ of the extraction opening 2 a so as not todrop inside when being inserted in the extraction opening, and isconfigured to be detachable with respect to the extraction opening 2.

The tube portion 21 is provided with a substantially same axial lengthas the length in the axial direction of the extraction opening 2 a, andis configured so that the front end is positioned in the opening 2A onthe storing portion side of the extraction opening 2 a. Then, in the endface of the tube portion 21 is formed a plurality of cut grooves 21 a atpredetermined intervals (in this Embodiment, four grooves substantially90 degrees apart).

Such cut grooves 21 a have the function of facilitating extraction ofthe stored substance remaining in the vicinity of the bottom edge 3 a(in the vicinity of the opening 2A) of the bag-shaped storing portion 3through the cut grooves 21 a, as shown in FIG. 8, in a stage when theinner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion 3 comes into intimatecontact with the tube-shaped storing portion 2 finally in the suction,and the suction force does not act on the bag-shaped storing portion 3.In other words, before the inner surface of the bag-shaped storingportion 3 comes into intimate contact with the inner surface oftube-shaped storing portion 2, the stored substance is extracted throughthe tube portion 21, and when the residual amount of the storedsubstance reduces finally, the residue existing in the vicinity thereofis easy to extract via the cut grooves 21 a with thin movement paths(flow paths). It is thereby possible to reduce the residual amount ofthe stored substance as possible.

By installing the blockage preventing member 20 as described above, itis possible to further reduce the final remaining rate of the storedsubstance.

In addition, the blockage preventing member 20 may be configured to bedetachable with respect to the extraction opening 2 as shown in thefigure, or may be beforehand formed integrally in the extraction openingportion. Further, the length and thickness of the tube portion 21, thenumber of formed cut grooves 21 a and the like are capable of beingmodified as appropriate.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a storage container according to Embodiment 2 of theinvention. As shown in the figures, a storage container 101 according tothis Embodiment stores a viscous liquid (referred to as a storedsubstance) such as ink, and is provided with a cylindrical (tube-shaped)storing portion 102 formed in the shape of a cylinder circular in crosssection, and a bag-shaped storing portion 103 welded along a lowercircular opening of the cylindrical storing portion 102. The storagecontainer 101 is formed in the shape of a circle in cross section overthe longitudinal direction, and does not change the cross-sectionalshape unlike Embodiment 1.

In the cylindrical storing portion 102, an extraction opening 102 aenabling a stored substance to be sucked is formed on the center axis onone end side, and a sealing member (not shown) such as a cap is attachedto the extraction opening 102 a and seals the stored substance. Then, inactual use, the container 1 is inserted in a predetermined portion of anexternal apparatus with the, sealing member removed, and the storedsubstance is extracted by a sucking mechanism such as a pump. In thiscase, the extraction opening may have a configuration that an extractionneedle is inserted in the sealing member to suck the stored substance.

The cylindrical storing portion 102 is formed in one piece (resinmolding) of a plastic material such as, for example, polyethylene,polystyrene and polypropylene, and the thickness thereof is onlyrequired to be an extent (for example, about 0.3 mm to 1.8 mm) to whichthe cylindrical shape is maintained when the bag-shaped storing portion103 is inverted and drawn into the inside in sucking.

Further, the outside shape (size of the diameter, length in thelongitudinal direction, etc.) is not limited particularly, and in thisEmbodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A, a curved portion 102 b isformed such that the diameter gradually decreases in the shape of afunnel toward the extraction opening 102 a positioned on the center axisfrom the upper end side of the circumferential side wall. Then, it ispreferable that radial protrusion portions 102 c are formed in the innersurface of the curved portion 102 b to extend toward the extractionopening 102 a. The radial protrusion portions 102 c constitute a flowpath guide to enable the stored substance to effectively move toward theextraction opening 102 a in sucking, and can be integrally formed inmolding. In this case, the specific extension length, pitch and heightof the radial protrusion portions 102 c are capable of being modified asappropriate corresponding to dimensions of the cylindrical storingportion 102, type (viscosity) of the stored substance, etc.

In addition, with respect to the curved portion 102 b formed in thecylindrical storing portion, as shown in FIG. 10B, the portion may havea gentle surface 102 b′ changing to the extraction opening 102 a fromthe circular side wall, or as shown in FIG. 10C, may have a flat surface102 b″ (surface with a substantially right angle) changing to theextraction opening 102 a from the side wall without forming the curvedportion. In other words, as long as such a configuration is obtainedthat the stored substance is capable of moving toward the extractionopening equally in undergoing the sucking action, the shape can bemodified as appropriate, and further, may be formed of an acuter taperedcurved surface than the curved surface of FIG. 10A.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a welding portion 102 d is formed on the lower endside of the cylindrical storing portion 102 to facilitate welding of theopening end portion of the bag-shaped storing portion 103. For example,as shown in the figure, the welding portion 102 d has a predeterminedlength L2 (about 5 mm to 15 mm) in the longitudinal direction. Inaddition, the portion 102 d may be formed of a circular surface with adiameter smaller than that of the cylindrical portion of the cylindricalstoring portion 102. By this means, the welding portion 102 d is becovered with the opening area of the bag-shaped storing portion 103, andthen, welded by heat using a heat bar or the like, and it is therebypossible to weld the bag-shaped storing portion 103 to the cylindricalstoring portion 102 with ease.

The bag-shaped storing portion 103 is formed in the shape of a bag bywelding the circumference of a thin-film-shaped film (thin film with athickness ranging from about 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm) having flexibility madeof polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, and is configured, forexample, as a three-side seal bag such that two films are stacked andwelded in the circumference, or a two-side seal bag such that a singlefilm is folded and welded in the side and bottom. Alternately, theportion 103 may be configured as a tube-shaped bag.

Herein, the configuration of the bag-shaped storing portion is describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

The bag-shaped storing portion in the invention has the structure whereone end is opened to enable the portion 103 to be welded to the circularopening (welding portion 102 d) of the cylindrical storing portion 102,while a bottom that is a plane is not formed in the other end (such astructure is referred to as a non-independent body) (the welding area isshown by oblique lines). Further, the bag-shaped storing portion of theinvention is configured such that corner portions on the end portionside opposite to the welding portion 102 d are cut. More specifically,the shape of the side surface is not rectangular as shown in FIG. 11,and, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A, by cutting the corner portionson the end portion side, has the configuration that does not cause thepoint portions P of 90 degrees or less between the bottom edge 103 a andside edges 103 b inside the storing portion as shown in FIG. 11.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, an aspect of the cut betweenthe bottom edge 103 a and side edge 103 b inside the storing portion isnot limited particularly, and the cut may be made so that the bottomedge 103 a is longer than that shown in FIG. 12A as shown in FIG. 12B ormay be made so that the bottom edge 103 a is longer as shown in FIG.12C.

In this case, the shape of the cut portion i.e. edge shape 103 d that isthe cut portion is preferably formed in the shape in accordance with thecurved portion 102 b formed in the cylindrical storing portion 102. Morespecifically, the shape as shown in FIG. 12A is preferably adapted tothe cylindrical storing portion such that the curved portion is arelatively gently surface as shown in FIG. 12A, and the shape as shownin FIG. 12B is preferably adapted to the cylindrical storing portionsuch that the curved portion 102 b is a relatively longer surface alongthe longitudinal direction than that in the configuration as shown inFIG. 12A. Further, the shape as shown in FIG. 12C is preferably adaptedto the cylindrical storing portion such that the curved portion is agentler surface as shown in FIG. 10B.

Further, the length L1 (see FIG. 9) of the bag-shaped storing portion103 is configured to be the length in the range of 90% to 110% relativeto the storing length L in the longitudinal direction of the cylindricalstoring portion 102. By this means, when the bag-shaped storing portion103 undergoes suction from the extraction opening 102 a portion, theinner surface of the bag-shaped portion 103 comes into intimate contactwith the inner surface of the cylindrical storing portion 102, while theportion 103 is inverted and drawn into the inside space of thecylindrical storing portion 102 with the flow of the stored substance,and at this point, by setting the length at the above-mentioned range,it is possible to position the bottom edge 103 a inside the storingportion in the vicinity of the opening 102A on the storing portion sideof the extraction opening 102 a, and to extract the stored substanceeffectively without waste.

In other words, in the case where the length L1 of the bag-shapedstoring portion 103 exceeds 110% relative to the storing length L in thelongitudinal direction of the cylindrical storing portion 102, when thebag-shaped storing portion 103 is inverted and drawn into the insidespace of the cylindrical storing portion 102 while being inverted withthe flow of the stored substance, it happens that the bottom edge 103 ainside the storing portion bends, etc. a tendency increases to block theopening 102A on the storing portion side of the extraction opening 102a, the suction force thereby stops acting, and the possibility increasesthat the stored substance existing in the vicinity of the opening 102Aon the storing portion side of the extraction opening 102 a cannot besucked and remains. Meanwhile, in the case where the length L1 ofbag-shaped storing portion 103 is less than 90% relative to the storinglength L in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical storingportion 102, when the bag-shaped storing portion 103 is inverted anddrawn into the inside space of the cylindrical storing portion 102 whilebeing inverted with the flow in the storing portion, the distancebetween the bottom edge 103 a inside the storing portion and the opening102A on the storing portion side of the extraction opening 102 aincreases, and by this means, as the internal pressure decreases bysuction, the possibility increases that the stored substance existing inthe area of the bottom edge 103 a does not undergo sufficient suctionand remains.

Referring to FIGS. 13A to 13F, described next is a result of welding thebag-shaped storing portion 103 as shown in FIG. 12A to the cylindricalstoring portion 102 with the configuration as shown in FIG. 10A to forma storage container, storing a viscous stored substance (commerciallyavailable mayonnaise) in the storage container, and extracting thestored substance by applying a predetermined suction force.

First, when the stored substance is extracted by applying suction to theextraction opening 102 a with the stored substance stored in thecylindrical storing portion 102 and bag-shaped storing portion 103 (seeFIG. 13A), as described previously, the bag-shaped storing portion 103gradually shrinks while causing vertical wrinkles, and the bottom edge103 a rises toward the circular opening (area of the welding portion 102d) of the cylindrical storing portion 102 (see FIGS. 13B and 13C). Then,as the suction further proceeds, the bottom edge 103 a inside thestoring portion passes through the circular opening (area of the weldingportion 102 d) of the cylindrical storing portion 102 and rises with theflow of the stored substance, and the bag-shaped storing portion 103 isinverted and drawn into the inside space of the cylindrical storingportion 102 (see FIGS. 13D and 13E). Then, as the suction furthermoreproceeds, the inner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion 103 comesinto intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical storingportion 102 (see FIG. 13F), and the stored substance concentrates on theopening area on the storing portion side of the extraction opening 102.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13F, when the bag-shaped storing portion103 is inverted and drawn into the inside space of the cylindricalstoring portion 102, the inner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion103 comes into intimate contact with the inner surface of thecylindrical storing portion 102, and since the inner surface of thecylindrical storing portion 102 is a curved surface and any pointportions do not exist, the bag-shaped storing portion 103 is hard tocome into intimate contact when becoming wrinkled, and enables thestored substance to be sucked (squeezed) as much as possible. Further,when the inner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion 103 comes intointimate contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical storingportion 102, the suction force does not act on the bag-shaped storingportion 103. However, since the curved shape is formed such that thediameter decreases gradually toward the extraction opening 102 a side inthe shape of a funnel, it is possible to extract the stored substance asmuch as possible even when the suction force reduces.

In this case, as described above, the radial protrusion portions 102 cextending toward the extraction opening 102 a are formed in the innersurface of the curved portion 102 b, flow paths toward the extractionopening 102 a are easy to reserve, and it is possible to efficientlyextract the stored substance.

Further, the bag-shaped storing portion 103 is formed of a thin film,and therefore, sometimes partially shrinks. However, since the length L1is set at the range of 90% to 110% relative to the storing length L inthe longitudinal direction of the cylindrical storing portion 102, asshown in FIG. 13F, the bottom edge 103 a area can be positioned in thevicinity of the extraction opening portion, and by this means, it ispossible to efficiently extract the stored substance even when theinternal pressure decreases by suction. Particularly, the bag-shapedstoring portion 103 is a non-independent body, and is configured so thatpoints portions with an acute angle do not exist in the bottom edgeportion by cutting corner portions on the end portion side, and further,since the edge shape of the cut portion is formed to follow the curvedportion of the cylindrical storing portion 102, it is possible toextract the stored substance efficiently without the substanceremaining.

In addition, when suction tests were actually performed under the sameconditions in the bag-shaped storing portion with the structure as shownin FIG. 12A and the configuration without the corner portions on the endportion side being cut as shown in FIG. 11, 5.70% of the storedsubstance remained relative to the initial filling amount in thebag-shaped storing portion 103 with the structure as shown in FIG. 11,and in contrast thereto, 3.07% of the stored substance only remained inthe structure (with the corner portions cut) as shown in FIG. 12A. Thus,the result that the stored substance can be extracted efficiently wasobtained.

Then, since the storage container 101 as described above has thestructure that the bag-shaped storing portion 103 formed in the shape ofa bag to be a non-independent body is welded along the circular openingon the other end side of the cylindrical storing portion 102 made of aresin having the extraction opening 102 a, the structure is simple andis easy to manufacture, and it is possible to obtain the configurationwith the cost reduced, easy to recycle, and the like.

In the storage container 101 of this Embodiment, the cross-sectionalshape is not changed along the longitudinal direction, but may bechanged as in Embodiment 1 described previously.

In the foregoing, the Embodiments of the invention are described, butthe invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Embodiments, and iscapable of being modified in various manners.

For example, it is possible to modify as appropriate the dimensions ofthe tube-shaped storing portion 2, the shape extending to the extractionopening 2 from the side surface, the configuration of the extractionopening 2 a in the tube-shaped storing portion 2 and so on. Further,when cut portions are formed in corner portions of the bag-shapedstoring portion 3, the cut portions are only required such that anyacute portion of 90° or less does not exist in the storage space.Therefore, the end portion may be cut in the shape of an arc, or may becut by a plurality of straight lines in multi-stage without cutting inthe shape of an arc.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A storage container comprising: a tube-shaped storing portion formedof a resin having an extraction opening enabling a stored substance tobe sucked in a center area on one end side, and a circular opening onthe other end side; and a bag-shaped storing portion which is weldedalong the circular opening of the tube-shaped storing portion, entersinside the tube-shaped storing portion to be able to come into intimatecontact with an inner surface of the tube-shaped storing portion insucking through the extraction opening, and is formed of a thin film inthe shape of a bag to be a non-independent body, wherein the tube-shapedstoring portion changes in cross-sectional shape from a circular shapeto an elliptical shape toward the one end side from the other end side.2. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein in the bag-shapedstoring portion, cut portions are formed in, corner portions on an endportion side opposite to an end portion welded to the tube-shapedstoring portion.
 3. The storage container according to claim 2, whereinthe tube-shaped storing portion has a curved portion such that thediameter decreases toward the extraction opening, and edge shapes of thecut portions formed in the bag-shaped storing portion are almost adaptedto a shape of the curved portion.
 4. The storage container according toclaim 3, wherein in an inner surface of the curved portion of thetube-shaped storing portion are formed protrusion portions that extendtoward the extraction opening and that are arranged radially.
 5. Thestorage container according to claim 1, wherein a capacity of thetube-shaped storing portion is substantially the same as a capacity ofthe bag-shaped storing portion.
 6. The storage container according toclaim 1, wherein the tube-shaped storing portion has a area that isformed in the same diameter over a predetermined length on the other endside having the circular opening, and the bag-shaped storing portion iswelded to the outer surface of the area with the same diameter in thetube-shaped storing portion.
 7. The storage container according to claim6, wherein a pair of protrusions protruding outward are formed at aninterval of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, in an areawhere the bag-shaped storing portion is welded, in the outer surface ofthe tube-shaped storing portion.
 8. The storage container according toclaim 1, further comprising: a blockage preventing member detachablewith respect to the extraction opening, wherein the blockage preventingmember has a tube portion, and the tube portion has a cut groove fordefining a flow path with the bag-shaped storing portion entering insidethe tube-shaped storing portion in sucking through the extractionopening.
 9. The storage container according to claim 8, wherein the tubeportion has the substantially same axis length as a length in the axisdirection of the extraction opening.
 10. The storage container accordingto claim 8, wherein the cut groove has a function of facilitatingextraction, through the cut groove, of the stored substance remaining inthe vicinity of a bottom edge of the bag-shaped storing portion in astage when an inner surface of the bag-shaped storing portion comes intointimate contact with the inner surface of the tube-shaped storingportion in sucking and a suction force does not act on the bag-shapedstoring portion.
 11. The storage container according to claim 1, whereinthe extraction opening has a plug with a screw.
 12. A storage containercomprising: a tube-shaped storing portion formed of a resin having anextraction opening enabling a stored substance to be sucked in a centerarea on one end side, and a circular opening on the other end side; anda bag-shaped storing portion which is welded along the circular openingof the tube-shaped storing portion, enters inside the tube-shapedstoring portion to be able to come into intimate contact with an innersurface of the tube-shaped storing portion in sucking through theextraction opening, and is formed of a thin film in the shape of a bagto be a non-independent body, wherein the bag-shaped storing portion hasa length in the range of 90% to 110% relative to a storing length in thelongitudinal direction of the tube-shaped storing portion.